---
title: "S30112 Development of national guidance on the safety and accessibility of stopping places"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-ad1cd167-f672-433b-9ba2-5f99d9837b42"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-ad1cd167-f672-433b-9ba2-5f99d9837b42"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-ad1cd167-f672-433b-9ba2-5f99d9837b42.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-ad1cd167-f672-433b-9ba2-5f99d9837b42.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "NATIONAL HIGHWAYS LIMITED"
published: "2026-06-16"
---

# S30112 Development of national guidance on the safety and accessibility of stopping places

Buyer: NATIONAL HIGHWAYS LIMITED  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-ad1cd167-f672-433b-9ba2-5f99d9837b42

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## Summary

The Department for Transport has engaged in a public procurement process for the development of new national guidance on the safety and accessibility of stopping places, aimed at improving bus infrastructure throughout England. The process was handled through a call-off from a framework agreement, employing a selective procurement method. The procurement falls under the "Development consultancy services" category, with the contract awarded to Ove Arup & Partners Ltd - SPaTS. The value of this contract is GBP 178,643.90. This tender, now in the award stage, officially started on 16th June 2026 and will run until 30th June 2027, with stakeholders including local authorities and transport operators being extensively involved. The requirements of this guidance target improved inclusivity, particularly for disabled passengers and other vulnerable groups. National Highways Limited, the buyer, is located in Birmingham, England.

This tender presents significant opportunities for firms specialising in development consultancy services, particularly those with expertise in transport infrastructure and a commitment to inclusivity standards. Businesses best positioned to benefit include those with experience in collaborating with governmental bodies and community stakeholders to create comprehensive, user-focused transport solutions. The project’s scope allows participating companies to showcase their ability to enhance public transport systems, potentially leading to further opportunities in transit infrastructure projects both within and beyond the United Kingdom. This initiative aligns with business growth strategies focused on inclusive transport-service development and infrastructure enhancement. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to collaborate in this venture, given the tender's suitability considerations.

## Notice

The Department for Transport is seeking a supplier to develop new national guidance to improve the safety and accessibility of bus stops and stations across England, addressing gaps that currently prevent many people, particularly disabled passengers, women, and other vulnerable groups, from using services confidently. Although buses remain the most widely used form of public transport, inconsistency in stop infrastructure, poor accessibility, and safety concerns (such as inadequate lighting and poor condition) continue to limit usage and public confidence. Building on new powers under the Bus Services Act 2025, the guidance will set clear standards for how stopping places are designed, built and maintained, helping create a more consistent, inclusive, and user-friendly network nationwide. The work will require extensive engagement with stakeholders, including local authorities, transport operators, and people with lived experience, to ensure the guidance is practical, evidence-based, and widely supported, with the aim of publishing by the end of 2026.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/89a3ba91-19f9-470a-95f9-f64dd2123a17 |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Selective |
| Procurement method details | Call-off from a framework agreement |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 16 Jun 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 18 May 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 15 Jun 2026 |
| Contract period | 15 Jun 2026 - 30 Jun 2027 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £178,643 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £178,643 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | NATIONAL HIGHWAYS LIMITED |
| Locality | BIRMINGHAM |
| Post town | Birmingham |
| Postcode | B4 6GA |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLG West Midlands (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLG3 West Midlands |
| ITL 3 | TLG31 Birmingham |
| Local authority | Birmingham |
| Electoral ward | Ladywood |
| Westminster constituency | Birmingham Ladywood |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | OVE ARUP & PARTNERS LTD - SPATS |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73220000 - Development consultancy services

## Release History

- 16 Jun 2026 at 09:58 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/89a3ba91-19f9-470a-95f9-f64dd2123a17

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/89a3ba91-19f9-470a-95f9-f64dd2123a17
  16th June 2026 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/f84bee16-b1db-4718-82a4-0e0a5b761f9b
  n/a

## Provenance

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